Hossfeld Flagpole Block Malbec Napa Valley 2018

Hossfeld Vineyards was established in 1981 by Henry and Susan Hossfeld, who oversaw every detail of transforming their craggy Soda Canyon hillside: from choosing the rootstock to clonal selections. A hidden gem estate in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, Hossfeld Vineyards is family-owned and operated, today spanning 22 acres and comprised of 8 individual blocks with varying exposures and carefully selected varietals. By managing their own farming, they impart their Hossfeld culture into agriculture, respecting the synergy of nature and working the land sustainably. The vineyard blocks are joined with undeveloped meadows, insectaries, and native patches of forest.?The Hossfelds have sold small quantities of their coveted fruit for decades, and esteemed wineries such as Arkenstone have proudly produced Coliseum Block vineyard designate wines. Now under second-generation leadership, Lucia Hossfeld McComber is the diligent vineyard manager, and her sister Hayley Hossfeld is the talented winemaker. They continue the same dedication to the land through respectful wine-growing that their parents began over forty years ago. 

Just 2.17 acres in size, the Flagpole vineyard is named after the American flag planted at its center and features western exposure on a steep 25% slope. This 100% Malbec was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels, lending it notes of dried violets, açai, and cacao nibs. It is awash with red currant and French plum on the palate, which gives way to graphite and hillside tannin. Young and with volcanic vibrancy, this Malbec will cellar well for the next decade and beyond. Just 75 cases produced.